Guatemala is currently facing a natural disaster declaration as 44 forest fires are raging across the country. President Bernardo Arévalo stated that 80% of these fires were started by people, particularly farmers who use controlled burns to prepare their fields for planting. As a result, authorities have canceled classes in three central provinces to protect students from the smoke. One of the largest fires is located near a suburb of Guatemala City, the capital. The declaration has freed up funding for firefighting efforts, as the country is more familiar with dealing with volcanic activity than forest fires.
The desperate situation in Guatemala is highlighted by the fact that even after the tragic deaths of migrating relatives, young Guatemalans are still attempting to reach the United States. President Arévalo emphasized that the current fires were not a coincidence, as the majority were deliberately set. The cancellation of classes in certain provinces serves as a precautionary measure to safeguard students from the harmful effects of the smoke. The government has taken action by issuing the natural disaster declaration, which allows for additional funding to be allocated towards combatting the fires.
Guatemala faces a significant challenge in combating the forest fires, as the country is more accustomed to dealing with volcanic eruptions rather than wildfires. The fires have posed a threat to communities near the capital city of Guatemala City, and efforts are being made to contain and extinguish the blazes. President Arévalo’s acknowledgment that the fires were intentionally set sheds light on the underlying causes of the current situation. As authorities work to address the fires, the impact on the environment and local populations remains a pressing concern.
The forest fires in Guatemala have prompted President Arévalo to issue a natural disaster declaration in response to the ongoing crisis. With 80% of the fires attributed to human activity, particularly by farmers using controlled burns, the situation has become dire. The decision to cancel classes in some provinces underscores the need to protect vulnerable populations from the effects of the smoke. The declaration has allowed for additional funding to be directed towards fire fighting efforts, as the country grapples with a challenge that is less familiar compared to dealing with volcanic eruptions.
Despite the tragic deaths of migrating relatives, young Guatemalans continue to risk their lives in an attempt to reach the United States. President Arévalo’s remarks regarding the deliberate nature of the fires highlight the need for greater awareness and action to address the underlying causes of the crisis. As the fires continue to burn across the country, authorities are working to contain and extinguish the blazes near populated areas. The natural disaster declaration has facilitated increased resources for fire fighting, as Guatemala faces a pressing challenge in managing the widespread forest fires.
